Fetal toxoplasmosis and negative amniocentesis: necessity of an ultrasound follow-up

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies on the PCR test on amniotic fluid and ultrasound follow-up of the fetus. We report two cases of toxoplasma infection during the first trimester of gestation with a discrepant diagnosis of fetal infection. PCR performed more than four weeks after the estimated date of contamination was negative. Ultrasound follow-up was normal up to the third trimester when major hydrocephalus was detected, leading to pregnancy termination. In both cases, post-mortem examination revealed a diffuse infection with severe brain lesions. These observations confirm the necessity to continue a monthly ultrasound follow-up, even if amniocentesis is negative, in case of fetal toxoplasma infection in pregnancy. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.